Tinsel trips: Phoenix Sky Harbor sees busy beginning to holiday travel season

PHOENIX — It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport: Cars full of both passengers and luggage streamed in and out of the facility’s three terminals all day Wednesday.

We’re going to be busy today. Give yourself extra time. Arrive at least 2 hours before your flight. https://t.co/amrf2c4o9F

— PHX Sky Harbor (@PHXSkyHarbor) December 23, 2015

Triple-A’s official year-end holiday travel season began Wednesday.

While the majority of travelers will be driving to their destinations this Christmas, the travel organization is expecting a 0.7 percent increase in air travel. According to the agency, six million Americans are expected to fly to see family and friends between Dec. 23 and Jan. 3.

This year’s increase in air travel is attributed to lower air fares compared to last year. Valley resident Mary Walter decided to take advantage of the low rates, so she’s having Christmas in Costa Rica.

“It is raining here and it is dry there so it is kind of strange,” Walter said, adding that she is looking forward to the warm winter weather in Central America.

Other Phoenix residents traveling Wednesday morning were excited to be getting a head start on crowds, which are expected to grow later in the week. However, a few were running late to their flight.

One traveler, who asked to only be identified as Beverly, said she was “worried about my suitcase because I checked it in late and I have to go to Houston first and then Birmingham.”

She said she wouldn’t mind if her suitcase was late as long as it meant being with her relatives in Alabama for Christmas.